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Claire Squires Fund

Banbury and District Samaritans - honouring Claire

The death of 30 year old Claire Squires in 2012 shocked the Banbury community and all those who knew her. Her mum, Cilla, had been a long serving volunteer at the branch and was Claire’s inspiration for participating in the London Marathon on behalf of Samaritans.

Claire died during her marathon run. Following her death, the Charity saw an unprecedented show of support, with donations to Claire’s fundraising web page reaching more than a million pounds. The Claire Squires Fund was set up and Samaritans worked closely with Claire’s family to decide how the money should be spent in a way that was fitting to her memory.

In honour of Claire, it was felt that our branch should receive some support for the next 10 years so we can continue all of our valuable work in the community. As training is absolutely central to the skills development of new and existing volunteers we were so very pleased to open the Claire Squires Training Suite at the end of April 2014. Claire’s family were part of the opening and involved in the design of the suite.

People talk to us anytime they like, in their own way - about whatever’s getting to them. You don't have to be suicidal.

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales. Founded in 1953 by the late Prebendary Dr Chad Varah CH CBE.

Samaritans is a charity registered in England and Wales (219432) and in Scotland (SC040604) and incorporated in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (757372). Samaritans Ireland is a charity registered in the Republic of Ireland (20033668) and incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as a company limited by guarantee (450409). Samaritans in Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (SC009843) and incorporated as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.